Ghost-Writer

by Michael Hollinger
directed by James J. Christy
originally produced at Arden Theatre Company,
Philadelphia, PA.
September 9, 2011
through November 7, 2011

About the Premiere Production:

Novelist Franklin Woolsey dies mid-sentence, but his secretary Myra continues to take dictation. Attacked by skeptics, the press and Woolsey’s jealous widow, Myra sets out to prove she is more than just an artful forger. Is she trying to steal Woolsey’s legacy now that she cannot have his love, or might she truly possess a gift the world can’t understand?

Artistic Statement

From Terrence J. Nolen, Producing Artistic Director
Our ongoing collaboration with Michael Hollinger ranks as one of the Arden’s most significant artistic achievements. The relationship dates back to 1995 and the world premiere of An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf. Michael is our most produced writer excepting Stephen Sondheim. Our audience base has an unusually intimate, ongoing relationship with him and his work, and we have seen similar relationships develop in other communities. Ghost-Writer, his first new play since Opus, contains a profound sense of longing and displays Michael’s precise and evocative use of the music of the spoken word. This is a great story by a gifted Philadelphia writer, and we are thrilled to be bringing it to the stage.

What this grant has allowed us to do:

From Amy L. Murphy, Managing Director
Our Edgerton grant provides for two additional weeks of rehearsal for Ghost-Writer. Michael Hollinger is making use of the time to do significant revisions. At the Arden we do our best to schedule extended rehearsal periods for new plays for this very reason. The Edgerton grant is a remarkable resource that allows us to support playwrights like Michael – providing them with the time and resources they need to fully develop their work – as they seek to tell stories of exceptional quality.

Creative Team:

Additional Funders:

Dolfinger-McMahon FoundationGhost-Writer is produced under the auspices of the Arden's Independence Foundation New Play Showcase.Production Sponsor: Fox Chase Bank
Honorary Producers: Fred and Emily Anton